lover

Everyday

1. A lover of something is a person who likes it very much: an animal lover, a book lover, a music lover. tree →
2. (adult) A lover is a person someone loves in a romantic way and is in a close relationship with, especially when they are not married. tree →

In the lessons

Most often in children's life: «nature lover», «chocolate lover», «dog lover». In stories and poems: young lovers, star-crossed lovers (Romeo and Juliet). Sense 2 is adult and usually about a secret or unmarried relationship.

Examples

• My aunt is a great animal lover. tree →
• This book is perfect for lovers of adventure stories. tree →
• Dad is a football lover. tree →
• Romeo and Juliet are the most famous lovers in plays. tree →
• The two lovers walked hand in hand by the river. tree →
• Calling all chocolate lovers: free samples today! tree →
• Then she hurried away with her lover. tree →

Note

Countable. Safe for children in sense 1 (a lover of something). In sense 2 it can suggest a secret relationship; «boyfriend», «girlfriend» or «partner» are more usual everyday words.

In Jewish tradition

Here it usually means the false gods and foreign nations that Israel chased after, not a person. It is part of the prophets' picture of Israel as an unfaithful wife.

Interpretation. The prophets picture God as Israel's husband, and idolatry or foreign alliances as unfaithful love. Tradition reads these stories as calls to come back to God.

Examples

• In vain dost thou make thyself fair; thy lovers despise thee, they seek thy life. (Prophets JER.4.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• For they are gone up to Assyria, like a wild ass alone by himself; Ephraim hath hired lovers. (Prophets HOS.8.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; and wouldest thou yet return to Me? saith the LORD. (Prophets JER.3.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. Safe for children in sense 1 (a lover of something). In sense 2 it can suggest a secret relationship; «boyfriend», «girlfriend» or «partner» are more usual everyday words.